Agri-food looking forward to good year McIlveen tells conference

Addressing the Oxford Farming Conference, comprising of farmers and agriculture leaders from across the UK, she said her long term aim was to promote a sustainable, competitive, high performing, knowledge-based agri-food sector that was both prosperous and compliant despite con cerns about departing the EU.

“That means it will be more resilient to shocks and challenges, have high standards of animal health and welfare, deliver for the environment and have increased market access.

“Brexit represents an unprecedented and exciting opportunity for Northern Ireland.

Accepting that the province was entering uncharted waters, she said that provided significant opportunities such as the ability to develop a future agricultural policy framework better suited to local needs, that would secure long term sustainability.

It wouls also offer the chance to remove “unnecessary bureaucracy” associated with current arrangements and the option to look at a different type of agricultural policy which will provide the necessary incentives.

“It is quite clear that we are not going to have a system like the one we currently have. But why copy a system heavy on regulations and penalties that is not working for many farmers. Leaving the EU creates the opportunity to develop something different,” she said.

Miss McIlveen said she would continue to work to promote and protect the needs of agriculture in Northern Ireland.

“Northern Ireland will look for some type of flexibility because as a region we are unique. Our agri-food sector is much more important to the local economy than is the case in the other parts of the United Kingdom. Future trade and support arrangements will be vital to the future prospects of our industry.”

The Minister, who joined a panel discussion with political representatives from the Scottish and Welsh Governments as well as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, told delegates that any change in support mechanisms would need to involve a period of transition but added that both she and the Executive remain committed to getting the best deal for Northern Ireland.

“I have met with virtually every stakeholder from the agri-food, rural development, fisheries and environment sectors in Northern Ireland and set up the joint Brexit Consultative Committee with the Economy Minister Simon Hamilton to maintain constant communication,” the Minister said.

“The Northern Ireland Executive will play its part to ensure we get the best possible deal for local agri-food sector, farmers, producers, processors and fishermen. I want to see a farming industry that is innovative, competitive, profitable and resilient.”